Off roader - Horizons Unlimited

**TommyTenere** · #1 11 Sep 2008

Am considering buying an off roader (need to be used on roads too) mainly for a bit green laning, hill climbing, jumps and fun. Really need a nice light bike as my off road skills are a bit crap. Any suggestions for a decent starter bike to fit my requirements?

Thanks

**HendiKaf** · #2 12 Sep 2008

KTM are very light and full of fun.They can come tagged which is a plus.

**kentfallen** · #3 12 Sep 2008

Have a good look at the little Suzuki DRZ400 a fine offroader and one suited to a first timer. It will do everything you want. Don't expect to much in terms of comfort though! It has a very narrow seat like a Cheese Wire!

KTM's are good bikes but too Exxxxxxpennnnnsive!

If you want something a bit bigger and more powerful than go for an allrounder - The best bike here is the Legendary and venerable YAMAHA XT600E or perhaps a newer version the XT660.

**mollydog** · #4 12 Sep 2008

lighter is best.

**Big Yellow Tractor** · #5 12 Sep 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyTenere

Am considering buying an off roader (need to be used on roads too) mainly for a bit green laning, hill climbing, jumps and fun. Really need a nice light bike as my off road skills are a bit crap. Any suggestions for a decent starter bike to fit my requirements?

Thanks

First real off-tarmac bike................

Cheap XR250 will do all you want

TTR250 for the lecky foot

CRF 250x for bit more of race bike but still road legal.

Don't get caught in the "bigger is better" trap. Little, soft and friendly will see you having the most fun for the least money.

**john_aero** · #6 16 Sep 2008

klx250 are great little bike but hard get parts and aftermarket biks over here so may be hard repair if anything goes wrong.

had 2 of them and great fund and the 5th gear makes em handy for raod use aswell

**mollydog** · #7 16 Sep 2008

Here are a couple links to get ya' all up to speed

**nrgizr** · #8 26 Oct 2008

I have a KLX and they are real fun but confirm that aftermarket parts are a pain to find.
As a novice you need something relatively light (so you can pick it up alone), reliable (so you need not get frustrated with maintenance) and won't rob you of your cash every time you'll inevitably let the bike go....on it's side.
I think you should be looking at a 4 stroke for sure but not a second hand 250 that have usually been well abused by previouse owners and are nerve racking even when new on long lenghs of sealed roads.
I'd go for a Honda XR400R if you can find one. Legal on most roads in Europe.

**Andysr6** · #9 26 Oct 2008

depends on how much road riding you will do on the bike. i have an XT600E which does it all, its light has lowish seat and is great on/off road. if i was doing very little road riding i would choose a DRZ or KLR. i find XR's and KTM a bit tall but this is because my off road skills are not too good. Andy